woman
you are more than
every "no"
every interruption
every door that's ever been slammed
in your hopeful & determined face

you are more than
arbitrary numbers on clothing tags
the weight of your muscle and bone
and counting calories until
food becomes a source of shame
rather than a source of energy

you are more than
disney princess button noses
anti-aging creams before bed
and covering every single spot
that made its way to your face
by way of sun or oil

you are more than
changing who you are to make others happy
waiting up for a message that never comes
and all of the excuses made by men
who don't know how
to keep their hands to themselves

you are more than
all of the things this world
throws back in your face
when you give it your all
and get nothing in return
while a man gives nothing
and the world falls at his feet

woman
you are not bossy
you are too emotional
you are not less than

you are qualified
you are compassionate
you are strong
and you are enough

no matter what this world
built on the ideals of men
tricks you into believing

you deserve a spot at the table
you deserve to shatter the ceiling
you deserve to break down doors
and pave new roads

they will shout down at you
from powerful pedestals and say
you can't
but woman,
you can.
and you will.